Planning a trip to Madrid and looking for the perfect time to visit? Each season in Madrid offers unique travel advantages. Here we’ll give you the rundown on the best time to visit Madrid no matter what you’re looking to do!
Madrid is always worth a visit, but certain times of year stand out! Photo credit: Victor Garcia
The best time to visit Madrid can depend a lot on what you’re looking for. You’d think, for example, that lots of people might be turned off by the thought of the sticky summer days that linger throughout July and August—but that happens to be peak season for visitors!
But no matter what time of year you travel to the Spanish capital, you’re in for a treat. Read on to discover the best time to go to Madrid no matter what kind of experience you’re looking to have!
Fall: For Crisp Days & Few Crowds
The fall months of September, October, and November are perhaps the loveliest time of year to travel to Madrid. Days are sunny and warm with just the slightest chill in the evening. It’s the perfect season to explore Madrid’s beautiful parks such as Retiro or El Capricho, or take a day trip from Madrid to towns like Toledo or Segovia.
Keep in mind, though, that November is the rainiest month of the year in Madrid, with average precipitation totaling about 2.2 inches (56 mm). But don’t let this put you off visiting at this otherwise gorgeous time of year—there are plenty of fascinating rainy day activities in Madrid to keep you dry!
Another plus to visiting Madrid at this time of year is the fact that many other visitors have cleared out by the time fall rolls around. It’s a quieter time of year, offering a peaceful respite between the summer high season and the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Winter: For Colorful Christmas Cheer
With the twinkling Christmas lights and all-around holiday vibe, winter is a special time to experience Madrid. Just make sure you pack your sunglasses—here our crisp winter days come with plenty of Spanish sunshine!
Winter is one of the best times to visit Madrid for foodies, as you can sample seasonal treats like almond turrón candy bars and crumbly polvorón cookies. When you need something more filling, warm up with a big bowl of cocido madrileño (Madrid’s signature stew), or for a sweet treat, tuck into thick hot chocolate with churros.
But enough about winter food. There’s also something to be said for strolling through the streets to enjoy the festive window displays, or visiting the Christmas markets to pick up some unique holiday gifts for your loved ones back home!
As a bonus, winter also tends to be the cheapest time of year to visit Madrid (and Spain in general). Flight and accommodation prices tend to be at their lowest, so you can find some great deals!
Insider’s Tip: If you don’t like crowds, be aware that Puerta del Sol tends to get especially crowded around Christmas and it can get a little intense.
Spring: For Authentic Local Festivities
Madrid practically bursts into spring once the winter months fade away, and it’s definitely considered the best time to visit Madrid by many!
Flowers bloom and jackets come off, and there’s a festive mood in the week leading up to Easter as Spain’s famous Semana Santa processions take to the streets. If you’re visiting Madrid at this time, be sure to try the traditional Easter sweets known as torrijas (a sort of Spanish take on French toast).
Aside from Holy Week, Madrid also celebrates its patron saint, San Isidro, with several days of concerts and festivities in mid-May. Put a flower in your hair, eat your weight in rosquillas, and learn the chotis, Madrid’s typical folk dance!
Insider’s Tip: Temperatures can be unpredictable during spring (especially in April). Be prepared for anything from sandal to rain boot weather.
Summer: For Outdoor Events & Rooftop Drinks
Looking to drink an ice cold beer on a shady terrace? Madrid in the summer is full of vibrant nightlife, packed rooftop terraces and cultural events.
However, just beware: In July and August, temperatures regularly soar up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) with no break from the heat at night. This results in a mass exodus from the city as locals head for the coast, so many small shops and restaurants may be closed as a result.
But there’s a lot to love about Madrid in summertime, too. There are a number of outdoor film festivals and concerts, not to mention the delicious summer delicacies such as cold gazpachos and artisanal ice creams served throughout the city. And if worst comes to worst, Madrid’s excellent museums have air conditioning!
Insider’s Tip: Cool off among the locals at area swimming pools. Municipal pools are a local favorite and even have bars where you can order tinto de verano (summer wine cooler), crispy calamari, ham sandwiches and other poolside treats. There are even many especially incredible rooftop pools in Madrid if you’re looking to cool down in style!
Madrid for All Seasons
Whatever season you choose, Madrid offers something for everyone. The best time to visit Madrid is up to you!
Best Time to Visit Madrid FAQs
July and August are easily the warmest months in the Spanish capital. Daytime temperatures regularly surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), and the heat even lingers through the evening and nighttime.
November is the rainiest month in Madrid, with an average of 2.2 inches (56 mm) in total of precipitation falling throughout the month. December sees similar precipitation levels, and April has a fair probability of rain as well.
While generally rare, it’s not completely unheard of for Madrid capital to see some snow. Just ask those of us who were here for the massive Winter Storm Filomena in January 2021, which saw the city’s heaviest snowfall in 50 years!
While the city itself gets little to no snow in an average year, many of the mountainous areas of the Community of Madrid do. The town of Navacerrada northwest of the city is a popular skiing destination and a great place to experience a Spanish white Christmas!
This post was originally published on and was updated on December 5, 2022.
No matter what time of year you visit, join our expert guides to see the very best of the city on a guided walking tour of the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum! We’ll visit Madrid’s most historic neighborhoods and stop for churros and chocolate along the way.
I would like to visit Madrid and Barcelona from Malawi in Africa between 10 April and 19 April 2017 with my wife and two sons aged 8 and 6. I would like to enquire about the best holiday offers. Thank you.
Hi Elton! We would love to have you join us on a tour! You can book one now at madridfoodtour.com!
Looking forward to seeing you in Madrid!